USDA: US beef, pork, and lamb exports in the first 6 months of 2024

In the first half of 2024, both U.S. pork and beef exports experienced mixed results but overall showed growth compared to the same period in the previous year. While pork exports saw a decline in June 2024, reaching their lowest level since September 2023, the first half of the year marked a 3% increase in volume and a 5% increase in value compared to the first half of 2023. Beef exports, on the other hand, saw a slight decrease in June 2024 but an increase in export value, reaching the highest level since August 2022.

Beef exports to Japan rebounded, making it the largest consumer market for U.S. beef in the first half of 2024, despite economic challenges. Exports to Taiwan and Canada also surged, with Canada's import value hitting a 10-year high in June 2024. South Korea remained the largest market for U.S. beef in the first half of the year, and there was a notable increase in beef exports to the Middle East, driven by demand in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Pork exports faced challenges in some markets but saw a 13% increase in beef and beef offal volumes, and a 19% increase in export value to Mexico. Despite economic uncertainties, demand for U.S. beef in Mexico remained strong, supported by a stronger peso and increased retail sales.